Bktherula
The very moment that Bktherula stepped on stage, the energy throughout the venue flipped to one so incredibly electric. Her stage presence was exactly what an opener’s should be; she completely took over and encouraged the audience to go as hard as they could. She did not stay still for a second; she danced and spit out her lyrics with immaculate flow.
The bass was heavy even during her slower songs and brought the audience to dance and jump along while two people with bubble blowers completely encased the first few rows with bubbles. Beanfields’ attendance undoubtedly adored Bktherula, and judging from the singing coming from the crowd, she already had plenty of fans (myself included) there to come see her performance.
The crowd was sad to see her go at the end of her set, but before Bktherula stepped off stage to head to her merch table, she made sure to get the audience hyped up for PinkPantheress. She screamed into her microphone and shared a great moment of equal excitement with the crowd. She left the audience riled up and ready to keep on dancing, further anticipating the headlining performance.
PinkPantheress
As soon as the intermission music came to a pause, the audience’s chit-chatting voices turned into extremely loud, excited screams. The crowd was going ballistic before PinkPanteress’ band even made it to their positions. The first few bass notes of “Break It Off” bounced through the room, and PinkPantheress herself sauntered on stage, waving to the crowd while singing her lyrics for them with her lusciously soft voice.
Her audience immediately showed their love for her, singing along loudly to every single song with so much gusto that I could barely hear the track playing in the background. She stood in center stage, purse on her arm as she listened to her audience of adorers recite literally every one of her lyrics. PinkPantheress certainly returned their love.
For the duration of her entire set, she would not stop interacting with individuals in the crowd. If someone reached their hand out, she’d either hold onto it for a moment or take the gift that was offered to her and run off to quickly put it in a safe spot or sign something before returning it to the person. Of course, she had a short moment dedicated to talk about the delicacy called Poutine and showed off the very little French she learned from her days in school.
I’ve seen some fan interaction during shows in my lifetime, but honestly, I’ve never seen nearly as much as during the PinkPantheress show. She was multitasking the entire night, singing and sharing several moments with as many people as she could. Her set was very short, only about 45 minutes worth of music, but man was her setlist SO GOOD. She played bangers like “Mosquito,” “Passion,” “Last Valentines,” and “Bury Me.” PinkPantheress never misses, in my opinion; her stuff is so catchy and perfect to either dance or cry to.
I also need to bring attention to the very consistent gust of wind that blew through her hair no matter where she stood. It’s like a higher power was there to guide her to look incredible from every angle. Her beauty and her talents are just undeniable. She was so charming on stage and had a firm grasp on mine and everyone else’s attention.
Except for some people’s boring boyfriends that were scrolling through Instagram the entire show; they should’ve just stayed home, in my opinion. Her band was incredible as well. That drummer did not quit and went crazy on those cymbals. I didn’t really expect her to have a live band, but I’m so glad that she did.
It created so much depth and a brand new texture to her music. It just adds onto the list of reasons why a PinkPantheress show is bound to be a great time. There were a ton of really great moments with fans, but among my favourites were whenever she would borrow someone’s bag for a song. She would always compliment the bag and promise the person that she’d return it as soon as the song was done.
She’s known for wearing a purse for the entirety of her set, so it must be a great honour to see PinkPantheress wear your bag during her show. If I carried a purse, I’d absolutely hand it right over to her without hesitation. She also called a fan to come up on stage with her, and coincidentally, they were dressed exactly the same! They shared a good laugh, a hug, and took a few pictures before the fan was prematurely guided off stage by a security guard.
PinkPantheress did not hide her distaste about it and booed along with the crowd in protest before continuing her set. She played a few more songs before she heard someone in the crowd ask for the setlist, and without hesitation, PinkPantheress tore the taped-down piece of paper right off the stage floor and handed it over.
I swear, if a fan asked for the shirt off her back, she’d give it to them. Soon after, PinkPantheress was handed a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers, and after thanking the person a thousand times, she told the crowd that she’s played more than 150 shows at this point in her career, and this was the very first time she’s been given flowers. What a sweet and touching moment!
Unfortunately, right after playing “Boys a Liar Pt. 2,” the time came for her set to end, and the audience was not having it one bit. She had barely left the stage before everyone started chanting “one more song” as loudly as they could, demanding PinkPantheress to grace us once more.
Surely enough, she made her way right back in front of the crowd, giving her last two songs “Internet Baby” and “Nice to Meet You” her absolute all. And, of course, gathered up as many gifts as she possibly could. Seeing her go a second time was just double the devastation, but her band made sure to send her off in style with one last electric instrumental. After how much fun this show was, I’m sure PinkPantheress will find herself back in Montreal, and I’ll definitely be there!
Review – Jamie Siddall
Photos – Nicolas Cantin
